Hearts of Hope Stratford, CT

12/24/2024

Enjoying this special time of the year with gratitude and love.

12/18/2024

Every year, Hearts of Hope receives a generous grant from The Santiago Abut Foundation. Funds from this grant enable young people all over the country to "create hope" for others by painting and decorating beautiful Hearts of Hope gifts - each accompanied by a personal message of caring and compassion.
"Santi's Hearts" have been distributed by the thousands to bereavement centers, children in grief groups and camps, those who have suffered community tragedy, folks serving in the military, hospitals, cancer centers, and more. These keepsakes are treasured forever by those who receive them.
A beautiful gift, and a lasting legacy - truly honoring this very special boy. 💙
If you'd like to create these beautiful gifts with your group, learn more at https://ow.ly/e5r250Utzw9

12/17/2024

As we reel from another school shooting, we're asking "why" to questions with seemingly impossible answers. There are things we can't do - they are simply out of our control. And, there are things we can.
Let's remember these innocents, their families, and this community, and pray for their strength.
Let's hold our loved ones closer, more often, and more fiercely. Let's reach out to friends and neighbors, especially those who are lonely, isolated, and grieving. Let's use this sacred time of year to love more and more and more.
Hearts of Hope is here to help. We can be that connection to services and programs that can bring comfort. Visit our site at www.ourheartsofhope.org.
If you or a loved one is in immediate crisis - please dial the mental health hotline at 988. Help is here.

12/09/2024

Gorgeous, perfect gifts for all the special people in your life. A handmade heart displaying art by caring artists who love to "create hope" for others.
Give the gift that will become a treasured keepsake.
Order online at www.ourheartsofhope.org/shop - or pick up at several Newtown, CT, locations listed below.
Happy Holidays from your Caring Team at Hearts of Hope.

11/29/2024

2024 Commemorative Hearts are now available online at www.ourheartsofhope.org/shop, as well as several Newtown, CT, locations.
Two talented artists created this year's designs and we are proud to showcase their beautiful work.
Perfect for teachers, first responders, family, friends - or to add to your collection. 😍
Enjoy and Happy Holidays from all of us at Hearts of Hope!

11/19/2024

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are grateful to all who have helped us this year.
Our Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception on November 8th would not have been the same without our volunteer bartenders from Lauren Auresto Realty!
If you enjoyed a beverage at the event, you know how much humor, positive, and wonderful energy the team from Lauren Auresto brought to the night.
We cannot thank Lauren and her team enough, both for their time and for their generous sponsorship of our event.
If you’re in the Newtown area, we hope you’ll call Lauren for all your real estate needs! Find her at https://laurenauresto.com/.

Creating Happiness One Move at a Time

11/06/2024

Exciting news! Listen in today at 7:45 am as our Founder, Judy Pedersen, chats with acclaimed radio personality, Rich Minor, of 98Q, Danbury, CT, about our Art of Hope Auction and Cocktail Reception coming up this Friday, November 8th from 6-9 pm at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, CT.
Meet Rich Minor in person - Rich will be the evening's emcee! You'll also have the opportunity to meet Judy in person at this event! Judy will be joined by the entire Leadership Team of our Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter, as well as our Ambassador of Hope Honorees, Maureen Will and Donna Monteleone.
Get ready for an evening of fun, gorgeous art, incredible food and amazing people. Purchase tickets by visiting www.ourheartsofhope.org.

11/05/2024

Shhh - it's a surprise! Our Founder, Judy Pedersen, is going to be interviewed by Rich Minor of 98Q in Danbury, CT, tomorrow morning, November 6th. Tune in to 98Q at 7:45 am to learn about Hearts of Hope's upcoming Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception to be held Friday, November 8th from 6-9 pm at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, CT.
Meet Judy in person at the event, together with the entire Leadership Team of our Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter, as well as our Ambassador of Hope Honorees, Maureen Will and Donna Monteleone.
Get ready for an evening of fun, gorgeous art, incredible food and amazing people. Purchase tickets by visiting www.ourheartsofhope.org.

11/02/2024

We had a fabulous event today with the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Post 196 on Milford. They painted hearts for Homes for the Brave. They will deliver the hearts next week. Thank you everyone who came out to support this great event!

11/02/2024

When their memory blesses us...
Friends gathered in Montville, NJ, to "rejoice for Joyce" by creating Hearts of Hope gifts to be given to the "We Got This" organization, an organization that supports cancer "thrivers."
Joyce courageously traveled this difficult journey, and creating these tiny treasures was a way for her friends to gather, and remember with love. From the organizer of this initiative, "It was such a bittersweet day, but very healing for a lot of us!"
Bring this activity to your group. You'll be amazed how helping others helps us too. Learn more at https://ourheartsofhope.org/community-service/

11/01/2024

Maureen A. Will is to be honored as a 2024 Ambassador of Hope at Hearts of Hope's Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception on Friday, November 8th.
When we think about the impact of every first responder - we think of Maureen as a "first" first responder as she and her 9-1-1 officers take the first calls, hear the first cries for help, and dispatch aide immediately when emergencies occur.
Maureen Will is the Director of Communications at the Newtown Communications Center, and is honored for her lifetime commitment to the people of Newtown and Brookfield, CT . Her knowledge, skills, education, and voice have provided safety and support, not only to Connecticut residents, but also to 9-1-1 first responders throughout the country, a testament to her selfless advocacy and empathy.
Please join us to celebrate Maureen and her extraordinary achievements, Friday, November 8th, from 6-9 pm at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, CT. Tickets on sale at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/31/2024

Donna Monteleone is to be honored as a 2024 Ambassador of Hope at Hearts of Hope's Art of Hope & Cocktail Reception on Friday, November 8th.
Donna Monteleone, American Legion Post 202 Commander & District 3 Chaplain, is honored for her lifetime commitment and advocacy to veterans, service members, and their families in Newtown, Brookfield, and Connecticut.
Her collaborative spirit and endless energy have brought together schools and other service organizations to support those who have given so much to protect and serve this nation.
Please join us to celebrate Donna and her extraordinary achievements, Friday, November 8th, from 6-9 pm at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, CT. Tickets on sale at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/29/2024

WOW - one of our artists from Paramus, NJ, made the news! Meroux created "Over the Rainbow" for our Art of Hope auction. She also shared her poignant story - one which touched our hearts and will inspire everyone who reads her story. Check it out https://www.tapinto.net/towns/paramus/sections/giving-back/articles/paramus-artist-s-work-selected-for-hearts-of-hope-charity-auction.
View all the gorgeous art from our Art of Hope Auction at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/29/2024

THANK YOU FOOD & BEVERAGE CONTRIBUTORS! These businesses are the reason our Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception is guaranteed to be an enormous success!
Hey, Connecticut neighbors and friends - these are our local businesses and we enjoy them every day. Let's support them just like they support us! Shop Local. Shop Small.
See you at the Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception on November 8th at the Newtown Community Center, from 6-9pm! Tickets at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/27/2024

"Love will Find its Way..."
The artist is Lynne S. from Pittsburgh, PA. Lynne is a high school teacher who first learned of Hearts of Hope through the outreach of our Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter.
Several years ago, Lynne's school experienced tragedy. When Hearts of Hope Newtown heard of this, they sent Lynne dozens of hand-made Hearts of Hope gifts to offer caring and compassion to her students.
Since then, Lynne and her students have been beacons of hope, creating and delivering Hearts of Hope gifts to schools nationwide that have experienced tragedy. Their actions have inspired many and brought rays of hope in the darkest of times.
From Lynne about this piece, "I like the idea/image of love leaving one person and making its way out into the world. Having hope and being positive is contagious and will help those who need it. Then, hopefully, that positivity will be paid forward."
You can bid on this beautiful piece and many more by visiting our Art of Hope Auction site at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/25/2024

"Let's go to this!" - "Who wants to join me?" and "This looks like fun." These are the messages folks have been sharing about The Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception.
Join us to share fun and friendship - all while supporting a cause helps people grieving loss find hope through counseling resources, education, and service.
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at www.ourheartsofhope.org

10/23/2024

Thank you Rich Minor of 98Q in Danbury, CT, guest emcee for our Art of Hope Auction & Cocktail Reception on November 8, 2024, at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, CT.
Join us for fun, laughter, and gorgeous art. Don't miss out - get your tickets here: https://ourheartsofhope.org/
HOHArtofHope

10/21/2024

The art of hope is not knowing what to say, but trying to say something comforting anyway.
Through the simple act of painting a small heart and sharing a message of hope, hearts are healed. Imagine the impact of something so simple as that. www.ourheartsofhope.org